PRESSURE is mounting on Cebuano John Eleazar Adlawan and his rival Glenn Aguilar as the ninth leg of the Kopiko 3-in-1 Astig Supercross Series unfolds today in Ormoc City.
According to Man and Machines Racing Promotions chief Jonas Adlawan, his son Jon Eleazar has to avoid any form of mistake as he bids to snatch the lead from Aguilar in the Pro-open division and boost his chances of clinching the coveted “Rider of the Year” award which will be determined in the last leg that will happen here in Cebu.
“They are both in a situation where a small mistake will have enormous consequence. It will be a tough competition between these two talented riders because Aguilar’s lead is slim and Jon is within striking distance,” Adlawan said.
He also mentioned that every heat is important since these have corresponding points for the top three riders. “Jon has to catch up if he wants to win the title because we are nearing the final leg,” Adlawan added.
Aguilar has accumulated 350 points after ruling five of eight legs in the ongoing series while Adlawan has 334 points. Today’s Pro-open winner will get 25 points.
Adlawan inched closer to Aguilar in the standings after he won the Pro-open crown last Sept. 15 in Iloilo City. He also beat Aguilar in the fourth leg in Dumaguete City and in the sixth leg in Tacloban City.
Rhowell Mangosong III is in third place with 293 points followed by Adlawan’s teammate Jubenile Abellar (271), Donark Yuzon (252) and Ted Conde (174).
According to race director Edsel Odulio, 200 riders from the Visayas and Mindanao will test their skills in the 1-kilometer, 50 jumps race course. He also mentioned that 40 riders from Ormoc City are joining today and on Sunday. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL